Start Organic Composting

Choosing to eat organic has become popular and many are growing their own organic vegetables using expensive commercial organic compost soil. Most are neither aware nor comfortable in knowing that organic soils contain poultry droppings. Learn these step-by-step tips on how to prepare a compost bin, what goes into making compost to grow healthy foods for your family and gorgeous blooming flowers in the garden.

How to build the Compost Bin:

You will need a squared off earth space in your back yard (start a small space until you realize based on your gardening needs to maximize the size in subsequent years). Make sure the space has been weeded and the ground soil lightly loosened.

• Four wooden posts or stakes, about 4 ft. long (wood is best however, you may also use metal stake poles however, purchase poles with hooks on them to use in securing the metal netting).
• Poultry netting (metal)
• Staples with a staple gun
• Mallet or sledge hammer

After deciding the space, use the mallet or sledge hammer and place the four stakes securely in their corner points (see image). Cover the perimeter using the metal poultry netting outside of each four corners. Staple or hook securely into place. You’re set to compost!

How to Start Composting Organically:

The key ingredients to add when making organic compost soil are raw organic scraps from organic vegetables and fruits. Essentially, what you already eat, you can place the raw scraps from them into the bin.

Here is a list (view photo image) of ingredients to add to the compost bin:

• peels from all organic fruits and vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, parsnips, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, banana, orange, lemon, onion, garlic skins); anything green and raw that grew organically and cut up into small pieces
• organic egg shells (boiled egg shells are fine too)
• coffee grinds and tea leaves
• lawn cuttings (not chemically treated)
• leaves from trees

Do not place cooked vegetables in the compost bin.

Make sure the mixture is wet enough (the feel of moist sponge). You can add more water to the mix using a spray garden hose if it feels too dry.

Every 2-3 days, use a pitch fork (view photo image) to turn the mixture. Make sure it is well ventilated and turned so the materials can begin composting to a rich dark fertile soil. Composting during summer month temperatures will convert quickly; due to the ideal environment. When you begin to see a dark rich soil, you can begin to use it for all your gardening needs.

Add organic compost soil when you start your own organic vegetable and herb garden. They are excellent used in place of potting soil for flower gardens. Use organic compost soil when you transplant flowers, young trees, shrubs or grow lemon grass for a dramatic landscape garden. Using home made compost soil will feed and help to establish the roots to create beautiful blooms or delicious healthy organic summer vegetables for your whole family to enjoy year round.

Making your own organic compost will save on the expense from ever purchasing commercial compost soil (animal and poultry free droppings). Also, you know exactly what goes into making your own personal brand mix to add into your vegetable, herb and flower gardens.